Fourteen days after being charged with sexual penetration of a minor, 84-year old contractor Emile Elias made his first appearance on Wednesday before a magistrate.
Elias, of Fairways, Maraval, is facing two charges – sexual grooming and sexual penetration, against a 17-year-old girl.
He appeared virtually before Magistrate Adia Mohammed and was not called upon to plead to either of the charges, as they were both laid indictably.
It is alleged that between September 1 and November 30, 2019, Elias met with the girl, with the intent of grooming her for ¬penetration.
On November 21, 2019, Elias allegedly penetrated the girl in his office at Long Circular Road, St James.
Elias was initially granted bail of $100,000 and that figure was not changed when he appeared before Magistrate Mohammed yesterday.
During his virtual appearance yesterday, his attorneys were furnished with a summary of evidence by the prosecution, which gives the defence an overall view and road map as to what evidence the State will be presenting at the -preliminary .
Elias is to return to court on May 19.
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